The Two-Way

5:56 am

Tue February 18, 2014

Jimmy Fallon, 'Your Host ... For Now,' Takes Over 'Tonight'

Jimmy Fallon during his debut Monday as host of NBC's The Tonight Show.

Theo WargoGetty Images for 'The Tonight Show'

The new guy's getting pretty good reviews.

Jimmy Fallon took over NBC's The Tonight Show on Monday night, saying he just wants "to do the best I can ... make you laugh and put a smile on your face."

I'm "your host ... for now," the comic cracked at one point — an indirect reference to the last time NBC tried to replace his predecessor, Jay Leno, only to give up and bring Leno back after less than eight months.

The night's guests included the band U2 and actor Will Smith. A parade of celebrities — including actor Robert De Niro and pop star Lady Gaga — walked on to hand Fallon $100. They had supposedly bet against him ever taking over the show from Leno. Comedy Central competitor Stephen Colbert was the last to pay up. He showered Fallon with pennies.

After a 42-year absence, the show has moved back to Manhattan, where it began. The morning-after reports on Fallon are generally quite good: